Prospective Students

We help our young students become:

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Self-Directed Learners: Children have a natural love for learning. At WSMS, we focus on helping children learn how to learn, so they become intrinsically motivated to do so, and retain their zest for knowledge throughout their lives.
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Flexible Thinkers: Developing the ability to think in a flexible way, and to adapt to one’s surroundings, was something Maria Montessori valued greatly: “The person who is developing freely and naturally arrives at a spiritual equilibrium, in which he is master of his actions, just as one who has acquired physical poise can move freely. When he is master of himself he is also flexible in his attitude towards others, and capable of adaptation to the wishes and requirements of others, and of ‘give and take.’ ”
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Creative Problem Solvers: Montessori children are natural and confident problem solvers. They are resourceful, and can come up with imaginative solutions that adults might not think of. Rather than try and mold the child to our adult way of thinking, we believe that he can arrive at informed decisions by using his own innate reasoning skills. As Maria Montessori said, “Leave the child free to make use of his powers and he will show himself capable of success.”
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Empathic Citizens: At WSMS, it is important to us that children grow to be confident, successful, and self-assured individuals, but equally important that they possess empathy and respect for others. Children who develop a social conscience, compassion for others, and a sense of responsibility towards others will change the world for the better, and we work every day to ensure that happens.
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Resilient Individuals: Every child experiences disappointment and failure as he learns and grows, but the way he is helped to respond to these difficult times is key. A resilient child looks at mistakes and disappointments as opportunities to learn, rather than setbacks, and as a result, he approaches life with enthusiasm and confidence. Building resilience is an important part of our work at WSMS.
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...where to begin

Information Session |

Prospective Students

Become a Montessori Teacher

The training of the teacher is something far more than the learning of
ideas. It is a preparation of the spirit. —Maria Montessori

Montessori teachers must be exceptionally well prepared. They need to have a deep understanding of human development and of how learning takes place. They need the ability to analyze and reflect on their observations of children, in order to individualize the curriculum. They need excellent communication skills. They need to be committed to reflection and inquiry; they see themselves as questioners and explorers. For indeed, they too are learners.

Montessori teachers design the classroom's physical environment as well as specific materials that match each child's interests and capabilities. They develop a collaborative social milieu (with children and parents) which respects individuality while celebrating differences.

The West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program (WSMS-TEP) begins with a 3 week summer session and continues through the academic year. After the academic coursework is completed, students apply their knowledge in a supervised student teaching placement in a Montessori classroom.

The Summer Session begins on Monday July 30, 2012.

The summer dates for WSMS-TEP are July 30 - August 17, 2012. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9 am - 5 pm. Classes are held at West Side Montessori School, 309 West 92nd Street, New York , NY 10025.

During the academic year, classes are held at West Side Montessori School. Classes meet approximately two weekend days a month beginning mid September 2012 through mid June 2013. Class hours are from 9 am to 4 pm.

For those students who successfully complete the WSMS-TEP program and then enroll in a Bachelors Degree program at Empire State College, up to 30 undergraduate credits in educational studies are available by advisement.

You may submit application paperwork before the deadline of June 29, 2012 for enrollment in the 2012-2013 academic courses. The application is available to be submitted online (click here) or you may download the form and mail in the hard copy.

For more information please contact:

Director: Mimi Basso This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Program Administrator: Melissa Vallo This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Online Application 2012-2013; Hard Copy Application 2012-2013

Recommendation Form

Tuition and Fees 2012-2013

Calendar 2012-2013

Student Handbook

Letter from the Director

I am delighted to share information with you about the West Side Montessori School’s Teacher Education Program (WSMS-TEP). You are considering a very important and rewarding profession — a career in which you can make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
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History of WSMS-TEP

The Central Harlem Association of Montessori Parents (CHAMP), Inc. was organized as a series of workshops in 1967 to enable parents to become partners in their children’s education. It soon became evident that more than workshops were needed.
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The mission of WSMS-TEP is to prepare sensitive, knowledgeable, caring adults for the important work of helping young children reach their full potential.
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Program Description

WSMS-TEP prepares adults for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood (2 ½ through 6 year olds) Credential.

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West Side Montessori School | 309 West 92nd Street | New York, New York 10025 | Phone: 212-662-8000 | Fax: 212-662-8323

WSMS | For parents | Alumni | Become a Montessori Teacher